Whale Watching, Dog-Friendly Travel, Ironstone Vineyards

In episode 20 of the California Now Podcast, we set off to sea with Patti Schick of Hornblower Cruises as she discusses whale watching with host Soterios Johnson. The California coastline provides an exceptional opportunity to get up close and personal with the giants of the deep, especially during Pacific gray whale migration. Schick shares what to expect when embarking on a whale watch and her favorite ocean life experience of all time. 

Next up, Erin Ballinger of BringFido.com shares her quick tips for making the most of traveling with your pup. Then we head to Calaveras County, which may not be the best-known wine region in California, but its roots run deep. In fact, it was the state’s largest producer of wine from 1890 to 1900. Johnson discusses the region’s winemaking traditions with Stephen Kautz, President of Ironstone Vineyards. Kautz, a true insider, explains why the area in and around Murphys creates some of the country’s best grape-growing conditions. Kautz takes us on a virtual tour of Ironstone’s operation as well as some of his favorite places to visit in Gold Country. 

Guests

• Patti Schick, Marketing Assistant for Hornblower Cruises & Events
• Erin Ballinger, Destinations Editor of BringFido.com
• Stephen Kautz, President of Ironstone Vineyards

Resources

Patti Schick of Hornblower Cruises discusses the ins and outs of whale watching off the California coast.

• Hornblower Cruises
• Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruises 
• Cabrillo National Monument
• San Diego
• San Diego Bay Marina
• San Diego Natural History Museum
• Gray Whale Migration

BringFido.com’s Erin Ballinger shares tips on how best to travel with your four-legged friend.

• Airline Pet Policies
• Pet-Friendly Hotels in California
• Pet-Friendly Restaurants in California
• Dog-Friendly Activities in California

Stephen Kautz, President of Ironstone Vineyards talks winemaking and must-sees in Calaveras County.

• Ironstone Vineyards
• Calaveras County
• Murphys
• Sierra Foothills Wine Region
• Amador County
• Calaveras Outdoor Recreation
• Calaveras Big Tree State Park
• Murphys Tasting Rooms
• Murphys Old Timers Museum
• Murphys Hotel
• Murphys Community Park
• Jumping Frog Jubilee

About the Host

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on radio station WNYC, moved from New York City to Davis, Calif., in 2016 and is just getting to know his surroundings. By combining his journalistic instincts with his personal curiosity, Johnson will use the California Now platform to develop a deeper understanding of his adopted home.